The City of Palm Bay held a workshop on December 17, 2024, focusing on community engagement and local initiatives. The meeting featured discussions from various community members, highlighting the importance of collaboration in addressing local issues, particularly homelessness.

The session began with a heartfelt testimony from a local resident who shared his experiences with the Florida Children's Home. He recounted his youth spent volunteering at the mission, emphasizing the positive impact it had on his life and the lives of others. This personal narrative set a tone of community spirit and gratitude.

Following this, Terry Smith, a recent Palm Bay resident, addressed the council. He expressed his concerns regarding the lack of cold night shelters in Brevard County, noting that despite the area's resources, the issue of homelessness remains unresolved. Smith shared that his church, Truth Revealed International Ministries, had stepped in to provide shelter during cold nights, highlighting the urgent need for more organized support for the homeless population in Palm Bay.

Smith urged the council to take a leadership role in addressing homelessness, suggesting that Palm Bay should strive to be recognized as "the city with a heart." He pointed out that the largest number of homeless individuals in Brevard County were located in the southern part of the county, which includes Palm Bay. He stressed the importance of collaboration among local organizations and the city to effectively tackle this pressing issue.

The discussions underscored a collective desire for Palm Bay to enhance its community services and support systems, particularly for vulnerable populations. The meeting concluded with a call for continued dialogue and action to ensure that the needs of all residents, especially the homeless, are met in a compassionate and effective manner.